Taking Care of Your Enamel

Posted April 13, 2018.

Your tooth enamel may be the hardest substance in your body. It has to be in order to keep your teeth protected from the acids that can cause tooth decay. But your enamel, as tough as it is, is not impregnable. In fact, it can be damaged, and believe it or not, it is up to you to keep it safe, so it can do its job.

There are number of ways you can damage your enamel. One way is through mechanical means. If you brush too hard or use a toothbrush with hard bristles, you can damage your enamel just by trying to take care of your teeth. So, the smart thing to do is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and don’t brush too aggressively. If your teeth are not properly aligned, they may strike each other at improper angles when you close your mouth, or chew. Our dentist can tell you if you need braces or another alignment treatment. If you suffer from bruxism, which is another word for grinding your teeth, you could eventually wear away the enamel on your teeth.

As our dentist, Dr. Jason Rountree can tell you, once the enamel has been worn away, it can’t grow back. The layer beneath your enamel is called the dentin and may not be nearly as strong. Without your enamel your teeth are very vulnerable to decay and infection. If you are concerned about your tooth enamel, or if it has just been awhile since you have been in for a dental appointment in Kingsburg, California, you can call 559-897-3322 to make an appointment at Jason Rountree Family Dentistry.